### 11 Tijuana Officials Test Positive for Drug Use
In a recent development, Tijuana’s XXV City Council, headed by Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, has seen 11 of its officials test positive for drug use following a routine round of drug testing. The testing involved 401 public servants, yet it is the presence of substances such as amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana, and cocaine in tests that has raised concerns.
These tests were distributed across various municipal departments. Notably, one positive result came from 13 tests conducted within the President’s department. The Municipal Treasury, the Municipal Institute of Sports, the Municipal Detention Center, and the Directorate of Commercial Protection and Auxiliary Surveillance also reported one positive result each from the tests administered. Among the departments with a higher number of cases, the Municipal Planning Institute registered two out of 20 positive tests, while the Legal Department had three positives out of 89 tests.
In contrast, other municipal departments accounted for 223 tests with no positive results recorded.
Teresita de Jesús Balderas Beltrán, the council’s legal adviser, stated that administrative sanctions, including suspension, could be applied to those who tested positive more than once. A follow-up test is conducted, and if the result is positive again, the individual is encouraged to undergo a detoxification program. Balderas Beltrán emphasized that some positive results were associated with psychiatric medications, for which medical prescriptions have been requested.
Despite these outcomes, budget constraints have limited the ability to test police officers, who were excluded from this round of testing due to insufficient funds.
### Secondary Article: Increasing Drug Test Scrutiny in Local Government
In light of recent findings of drug use among Tijuana’s city officials, there is an escalating demand for regular and comprehensive testing across local government bodies. This move is seen as a response to maintain public trust and ensure the proficiency of those in office. Recent data suggests that there is an increasing trend in doping cases within local governance, further highlighting the need for stringent scrutiny.
Experts are calling for enhanced budget allocation to facilitate an all-encompassing testing program that would include all municipal employees, especially the police force. They argue that routine screenings could serve as a deterrent to drug use and aid in identifying individuals who might need assistance, thus, promoting a healthier, more transparent workplace environment.
Additionally, public pressure is mounting for not only punitive actions but also supportive interventions to address underlying causes of substance use among government workers. Rehabilitation programs and mental health support are becoming integral components of this initiative, aiming to foster a supportive work culture that prioritizes well-being and responsibilities towards the community.